Close to 300 people traveled through snowy weather to attend Linking Hands EXPO 2018

Seen in image above: Community Living Dundas County (CLDC) was one of several agencies that attended both Linking Hands EXPO
days March 13 and 14. The local organization, which is focused on ensuring adults with intellectual disabilities
are part of their communities, was a huge hit with children interested in some of the Snoezelen Room items. CLD-
C’s Snoezelen Room is available to the public by appointment. Snoezelen is a non-pharmaceutical multi-sensory
philosophy of care in which sensory stimulation is used as a method of relaxation and redirection. Pictured: CLDC
executive assistant Shayla Brush and CLDC board president Marja Smellink. Courtesy photo

March 16, 2018

MAPLE RIDGE— The second annual Linking Hands EXPO and Maple Ridge Family Fun Day saw close to 300 people brave the snowy weather to attend one or both of the March Break events.

This year’s EXPO was a two-day event with a special Sensory Sensitivity Day booked for the afternoon of Tuesday, March 13, followed by a larger scale full-on fun zone full-day event Wednesday, March 14. Despite a blast of steady winter weather both days, parents, grandparents, and caregivers brought their children to the Maple Ridge Centre, where they were greeted with fun and information.

In addition to Vanderlaand the Barnyard Zoo, Tribeck Inflatables, and Maple Ridge’s Glow Party Room, Linking Hands welcomed several agencies that also provided lots of fun activities for children, including Community Living Dundas County, Glengarry Inter-Agency Group’s Ontario Early Years Centre, Happy Face Nursery School, and SD&G County Library. Other exhibitors included Eastern Ontario Health Unit, Jambel Cuisine, Job Zone, Knowledge First Financial, Maison Interlude House, Naomi’s Family Resource Centre, Victim Services of SDG & Akwesasne.

Seen in image above: Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry County Library’s Nicholas Seguin (left) and Jenna Lamarche brought activities for all ages to the March 14 event, including a 3D printer, giant Jenga, Lego, and more. Courtesy photo

The big hit of the March 14 event, Junkyard Symphony, was sponsored by Winchester’s Main Street Clothing. In addition to providing an affordable outing for families, the Linking Hands EXPO introduced attendees to some of the many services and resources available in Dundas County.

Seen in image above: Junkyard Symphony, sponsored by Winchester’s Main Street Clothing, was a huge hit during the Wednesday, March 14 event. Courtesy photo

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